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Richardson on Clinton: A ‘Permanent Fissure’

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Richardson on Clinton: A ‘Permanent Fissure’

October 9, 2008 12:15 pmOctober 9, 2008 12:15 pm

New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson and former President Bill Clinton used to be close. Mr. Clinton tapped him to be both ambassador to the United Nations and the secretary of energy during the former president’s second term.

And when times got tough for Mr. Clinton (see: Lewinsky, Monica and impeachment), Mr. Richardson stood by him.

That’s what friends are for.

But after Mr. Richardson decided to endorse Senator Barack Obama rather than Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton during the Democratic primary this year, the two old friends quickly became, well, “frienemies.” And in an interview on National Public Radio on Thursday, Mr. Richardson indicated that they have not been able to repair the rift.

Here’s what the New Mexico Democrat told NPR’s Renee Montagne:

“Have I heard from President Clinton? No. It could be a pretty much a permanent fissure. But that’s politics, that’s O.K. I did what I thought was best for the country. I’m still very fond of the Clintons. I’ve reconciled with her, but with him, he wants to keep a grudge, that’s fine with me. I move on. I’m governor of New Mexico, I’m happy where I am.”

Ouch.

Mr. Clinton’s newfound animosity for Mr. Richardson has been simmering for some time, even though as Mr. Richardson pointed out in the interview, he held fund-raisers to help Mrs. Clinton pay down her campaign debt. The events raised a total of $250,000.

“She appreciated it,” he said.

But besides expressing his fondness for the Clintons, we didn’t hear Governor Richardson offering much of an olive branch to the former president who helped him get where he is today. The Richardson-as-Judas comparison — the slam by Clinton confidant and Democratic strategist, James Carville — probably didn’t help matters.

“I’m very comfortable with what I did in endorsing Senator Obama,” Mr. Richardson said.

Wow, a politician positioning himself for future success and high level cabinet appointments! Stop the presses, this is big news (not).

This goes back to something I’ve stated in earlier posts…..a lot of people are going to be disappointed on November 5th, regardless of who gets elected. How do we move forward as one nation on that day?

As an aside, I saw a lot of posters this morning celebrating (rightfully so) Mrs. Obama’s display of elegance in TV interviews over the past couple of days. Some are saying “Michelle Obama for President”.

There is nothing wrong with that, but I do remember a lot of pre-positioning of Hilary Clinton in the mid 90s to be the first woman president. From my perspective, that may have actually worked against her in the primaries because she was the “presumptive front runner”.

I for one would like to see the first female President come from the ranks of well qualified female politicians and stop giving the inside track to wives of politicians. A female President should earn her spot on the ticket by virtue of more than a marriage.

Even through the ridiculous circus that was the Monica Lewinsky affair, my respect for the Clintons was unabated because I thought they were genuine Democrats and I thought it was a witch hunt etc… But Bill’s “hate the world” reaction to his wife losing has turned me off on the Clintons. Regardless of the outcome of this election, I will forever be a staunch critic of the Clintons and I will never cast a vote for any of them in any – presidential or state – election. They do not care about anything other than their legacy. They are not team players.

I’ve never voted Republican before but if I ever see Hillary on a ballot that will be the first. I will make contribution and campaign for anyone that runs against one of the Clintons for the rest of my life.

Bill Clinton was my first vote for president, but I think he seriously needs to get over it. He is a great politician, so I’m sure that he can understand why Richardson endorsed Obama, who even at that time was the likely winner of the primaries. Why back the losing candidate? Richardson still loves foreign policy, and will likely be Secretary of State in the first Obama administration. If he had backed Hillary he would likely be…..the governor of New Mexico. Bill will eventually reconcile with Richardson. Its not in Bill Clinton’s DNA to hold a grudge. Ironically, I would have thought Hillary would hold the grudge, and not Bill, SHE has apprently moved on with her life, why not him?

We admire your courage, and we thank you for being
one of the people of high public profile to bring to the nation’s attention the fact that in this time of crisis, our nation does not need politics as usual but a dignified leader: Obama.

I think Bill Richardson is 100% correct in his thinking. We can’t vote and endorse politicians based on who our friends are. We have to choose our candidates based on personal belief. Thinking that Bill Clinton choosing Richardson for secretary of energy somehow means that Richardson is in Clinton’s back pocket forever is absurd. I think its quite arrogant of Bill Clinton to hold a grudge. Politics is not a game of please your friends. People with the grace to understand that can maintain friendships in spite of differing beliefs. Richardson thought Obama was better for the job. So be it. Bury the hatchet and work together.

That folks care so much as to hold grudges (including Richardson) indicates passion about beliefs. On the other hand, if two very well-respected Dems can’t get along, what’s the possibility of the bipartisanship that we will need in the coming months and years to restore this nation’s economic and moral health?

Richardson should reach out to Bill Clinton on a regular basis and in creative ways until the former President finds a way to accommodate him. Of all people, he should understand the concept of forgiveness.

Richardson jumped ship right when Senator Hillary Clinton was desperately trying to keep her candidacy from sinking. He took that moment to jab a huge hole in the side of the ship. And it was calculated by the Obama campaign who will repay Richardson down the line with political favors. Richardson is NOT satisfied where he is. He made what was an expedient political move to curry favor with Obama. Don’t make him out to be some kind of victim or martyr. He’s a shrewd and heartless politician. And a bore.

I think Richardson’s skills will be much needed back in the energy department, which should be the second most important and influential in decades to come. Let’s not squander this politicians broad command of energy issues on mere state department rhetoric.

I voted for clinton, and would do so again, but he seems a very selfish, self-centered man. He lacks the dignity and generosity of his wife. I wonder what would he have done had positions been reversed in his final term. I can imagine…